If you’ve been on the lookout for a delightful treat that feels both indulgent and effortlessly simple, then this Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies combine the rich, buttery sweetness of pralines with the crunchy texture of pecans and the tropical charm of coconut, all without ever heating up your oven. Trust me, the moment these delightful morsels hit your taste buds, you’ll be hooked – their chewy, nutty goodness is irresistible and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together or a cozy afternoon snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s wonderful about this recipe is how it relies on just a handful of pantry staples that come together to deliver such amazing flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the buttery base that brings richness to the mix, to the pecans and coconut adding that irresistible crunch and chew.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Provides a creamy, rich foundation that helps everything stick together perfectly.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, light or dark): Adds deep caramel notes and keeps the cookies wonderfully moist.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances sweetness and helps with the praline’s signature crunch.
- Whole milk (1/4 cup): Creates the right consistency for the candy mixture, making it easier to scoop and set.
- Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a fragrant warmth that complements the nuts and coconut perfectly.
- Chopped pecans (1 1/2 cups): Key for that satisfying crunch and rich nutty taste.
- Sweetened shredded coconut (1 1/2 cups): Brings chewy texture and a subtle tropical sweetness to the praline.
How to Make Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze, freeing you up to enjoy the fun of making these no-bake delights.
Step 2: Combine and Boil the Base Mixture
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and salt. Stir constantly as the mixture comes to a boil. It’s crucial to keep stirring so the sugars don’t burn and the blend thickens evenly. Let it boil for about 2 to 3 minutes to develop that prized praline flavor and proper texture.
Step 3: Add Flavorings and Mix-Ins
Remove the pan from heat. Immediately stir in the vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut. Mix everything thoroughly so every bite delivers a good balance of nutty richness and chewy coconut goodness.
Step 4: Shape and Set the Cookies
Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of the warm mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Let the cookies rest at room temperature, undisturbed, for 30 minutes to an hour. This resting time is how they “set” without baking, resulting in that perfect chewy-crisp texture everyone loves.
How to Serve Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these cookies even further, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top right before serving. This adds visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor that’s sure to delight both the eyes and palate.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness. For a fun twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream – the cool creaminess complements the praline’s rich texture wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
These cookies also make fabulous gifts! Arrange them in a decorative tin lined with wax paper or place them in a glass jar tied with a ribbon for a charming homemade gift that friends and family will adore. You can also stack them on a dessert platter interspersed with fresh fruit for a beautiful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies store beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect to prepare in advance for gatherings or simply to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies for longer, you can freeze them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
Because these cookies are no-bake, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you prefer a softer texture, you can warm them gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or they might become too sticky.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work well here and will still provide that lovely crunch and nuttiness. Just make sure to chop them to a similar size as pecans for even mixing and texture.
What if I don’t have sweetened shredded coconut?
You can substitute with unsweetened shredded coconut, but the cookies will be less sweet and a bit more coconut-forward in flavor. Adjust the sugar slightly if you prefer a sweeter cookie.
Can these cookies be made vegan?
Yes, by swapping the butter for a plant-based margarine and using a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or oat milk, you can make a vegan version that tastes just as delicious.
Do I have to toast the pecans and coconut?
Toasting is optional but highly recommended because it brings out the natural oils and enhances the flavors, adding a deeper, richer taste to your cookies.
Will these cookies stick together if I leave out the milk?
The milk helps create the right consistency for coating the nuts and coconut and allows the sugar mixture to bind properly. Leaving it out could result in crumbly cookies that don’t hold their shape well.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe enough! It’s such a crowd-pleaser that’s both simple to make and incredibly satisfying to eat. Whether you’re a dessert rookie or a seasoned baker, these no-bake cookies bring a warm, homemade touch with the perfect balance of crunch, chew, and sweetness. Give them a try and watch your friends and family fall in love bite after bite!
Print
Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
These Easy No Bake Pecan Coconut Praline Cookies are a delightful Southern-inspired treat combining buttery pecans and sweet shredded coconut in a rich caramel praline base. Ready in under an hour with no baking required, these cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Praline Mixture
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to prevent the cookies from sticking during the setting process.
- Make the Praline Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, and salt over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Boil the Mixture: Once boiling, allow it to continue boiling for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring consistently to ensure it thickens and caramelizes properly without burning.
- Incorporate Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, followed by the chopped pecans and shredded coconut until the mixture is fully combined and evenly distributed.
- Form the Cookies: Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Allow to Set: Let the cookies sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour until they are set and firm to the touch. Optionally, refrigerate to speed up the setting process.
Notes
- For a richer, nuttier flavor, toast the pecans and shredded coconut lightly before mixing them into the batter.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for best freshness.
- Refrigerating the cookies will speed up the setting time and help them hold their shape better during warmer weather.
